Cold turkey in the bars: Mixed reviews after two months of Moscow smoking ban
We can thank Moscow’s “economic conservatives” on the City Council for voting against private property rights, liberty, and personal choice.
As reported in the Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
It has been two months since Moscow approved its ordinance banning smoking in bars and private clubs.
Thus far the new code has produced a mix of predictable and unexpected results.
The Moscow City Council unanimously approved the ordinance banning smoking in bars and private clubs and within 20 feet of entrances of public buildings on Aug. 4. The measure saw broad support from the public, but strong opposition from bar owners who feared losing business.
Mingles Bar and Grill owner Skyler Schlueter said that is exactly what has happened to him.
"Business is off considerably," he said. "It's really difficult to tell what the exact level is because it partly has to do with the economy. People are tight with their money, and that's part of it.
"But there was definitely a drop off once the law went into effect."
Schlueter said the traffic from Pullman residents looking for an establishment to smoke in immediately dropped. He said the claims that nonsmokers would now frequent bars more regularly has not been reality, and he has no real way to make up for the lost business.
"There was supposed to be an online group of 900 supporters who were in favor of the smoking ban," he said. "Well, where are those people?"
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Schlueter said he knows enforcement of the Moscow ordinance won't be a problem either, he just hopes his business can find new ways to make up for lost revenue.
"I admit, I like working in my bar better now that people can't smoke in there," he said. "But I would say the amount of people coming in is noticeably different."